English is the primary language of instruction at VCC. All applicants are required to demonstrate the appropriate level of English language proficiency to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English entrance requirements vary by program. Refer to the English Entrance Requirements for International Studentschart to find out what English equivalencies are accepted by each program.
All applicants using external credentials (e.g. degrees, credits or test scores) to meet VCC's English language requirements must provide proof upon application. The admission requirements and the English language proficiency equivalencies accepted may be subject to change. Refer to VCC’s website for the most updated information.
Students who have completed three (3) years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education in an English-speaking country where English is the primary language of instruction may meet VCC’s English language requirements by completing a high school or university English course with specific grades according to the program-specific English requirements stated in the above chart. Refer to the list of English-speaking countries.
High School English The required high school English grades may vary by program. Refer to the English Entrance Requirements for International Students for program-specific requirements. English as a Second Language (ESL) and transfer (TS) courses from non-English speaking countries are not considered in the three-year calculation.
University English Students who have completed an undergraduate English of three (3) credits in an English-speaking country may meet VCC’s English language requirements. The required grades vary by program. Refer to the above chart for program-specific university English requirements.
Canadian degree Students who have been awarded a degree from an accredited Canadian post-secondary institution where English is the language of instruction may met the language proficiency requirements for VCC programs. University degrees with at least 3-years of face-to-face non-ESL instruction, obtained from an English-speaking country where English is the language of instruction, may be accepted as an equivalency.
Students who have not completed three (3) years of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education in an English-speaking country where English is the primary language of instruction may meet VCC’s English language requirements with the following:
University English
Students who have completed an undergraduate English of three (3) credits in an English-speaking country may meet VCC’s English language requirements. The required grades vary by program. Refer to the above chart for program-specific university English requirements.
English Tests and Validity
External tests such as CAEL, Cambridge Assessment, IELTS and TOEFL are accepted, in addition to VCC’s English Assessments. External English test scores are valid for 2 years. The test scores must be valid at the time a complete application is received at VCC.
BC EAL Articulation
Students may meet VCC’s English language requirements by completing VCC English courses, or equivalent according to the BC EAL Articulation Guide.
Pathway certificates
ILAC and ILSC Pathway Certificates are valid for 2 years, and must be valid on the requested VCC program start dates.
Speaking and listening requirements can be satisfied through three years of full-time face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the medium of instruction and is also one of the country’s official languages. ESL courses are not included in the three-year calculation.
List of English-Speaking Countries
American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, United States Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Students from institutions accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and B.C. Certified Offshore Schools may meet VCC's English language requirements if they have completed three years* of full-time, face-to-face secondary education where English was the primary language of instruction and have an equivalent academic English course with the respective grade required by the program. Please contact study@vcc.ca for more information.
*English as an Additional Language (EAL/ESL) courses are not considered in the three-year calculation.
CAEL CE/CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language Test), Cambridge Assessment (B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE)), Duolingo English Test, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic/PTE Academic Online (Pearson Test of English) and TOEFL iBT are accepted as external test options for meeting VCC's English entrance requirements.
Other equivalencies may also be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Submit a complete application to confirm if the English entrance requirements are met.
Study English to Meet the Requirements
If you do not meet VCC's English admissions requirements, you may study at VCC's ESL Pathway program, or at VCC's partner language schools (ILAC or ILSC) to meet VCC's requirements.
If you studied ESL/EAL at another B.C. institution, refer to the BC EAP level listed on the English Entrance Requirements page, and search the EAP Level on BC Transfer Guide to check equivalency.
Submit Test Scores to VCC
Remember to request your scores to be submitted to VCC for your application to be reviewed.
CAEL
Request your CAEL Official Score Report by providing VCC's details when registering CAEL, or up to 1 business day before your scores are posted on the CAEL website. Check the CAEL website for more details.
Cambridge Assessment
Provide your test details, such as Cambridge centre, candidate numbers, and the relevant examination series (identified by month and year e.g., June 2014) so we may verify your results. Check the Cambridge Assessment website for more details.
Duolingo English Test
Request the Duolingo results to be sent directly to VCC - International Student Admission and inform VCC once it is requested. Results are typically released to VCC within 48 hours of the request. Check the Duolingo English Test website for more details.
IELTS Academic
Submit the IELTS Test Report with your application. A screenshot of the score on the IELTS website is not accepted, unless the Test Report Form (TRF) number is provided. Check the IELTS website for more details.
PTE Academic/PTE Academic Online (Pearson Test of English)
Submit the TOEFL iBT score report with your application. A screenshot of the score on the TOEFL website is not accepted, unless the Appointment Number is provided. Check the TOEFL website for more details.
